This win sees Lorient win consecutive matches for the first time this season. The 3-2 win over AS Nancy ahead of the international break ended a run of six consecutive defeats for Bernard Casoni's men, and Sunday's win has seen them move from the bottom of the table.

Casoni’s men deservedly celebrated this victory as they were reduced to ten men minutes into the second half after Francois Bellugou’s sending off in the 49th minute.

However, Lorient worked tirelessly throughout the second half until SMC received a red card of their own nine minutes before full-time.

Article continues below

Indomitable Lions’ skipper reacted rapidly to capitalize from Alaeddine Yahia's attempted clearance and steered home what turned out to be the decisive goal in the 29th minute.

This was the 28-year-old’s 10th of the campaign as he reaches double figures for a second consecutive season with Les Merlus. Having arrived from Reims, Moukandjo announced himself to the Lorient faithful with 13 goals in 31 appearances on his maiden season with the Brittany club.

With fellow relegation strugglers Bastia beaten by Lille on Saturday, Lorient leapfrogged them into 19th in the French top flight standings.